FDA expands consumer warning
FDA expands consumer warning
WASHINGTON -- The Food & Drug Administration expanded its consumer warning to all fresh-bagged spinach and announced that California-based Natural Selection Foods LLC was recalling an array of salad products in response to the outbreak.
"Based on current information, FDA advises that people not eat fresh spinach or fresh spinach containing-products that are consumed raw," according to FDA's Sept. 15 advisory. The agency said it would continue daily press briefings on the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak if necessary.
The epidemiological evidence collected by health officials from people who consumed spinach and became ill was strong enough to convince Natural Selection Foods to do a voluntary recall, according to FDA's David Acheson. The investigation is ongoing, said Dr. Acheson, and it is possible the recall will extend to other companies.
"While neither the FDA nor the [California Department of Food & Agriculture] have yet determined the source of the E. coli problem, we believe that recalling all spinach product packed in our facilities is the right thing to do," Charles Sweat, chief operating officer of Natural Selection Foods, said in a statement. "The FDA has said that they are looking at the entire industry, and we will continue to do our part in their investigation." The company said it would allow "unfettered access to our facilities and product for testing" and would "do whatever is necessary to help protect the health and safety of the public."
The massive recall includes all products that contain spinach in all brands packed with the "best if used by dates" of Aug. 17 through Oct. 1. The recall, which will touch the best known brands in the industry, includes both retail and foodservice products.
"The FDA investigation and the voluntary action taken by Natural Selection Foods LLC help narrow concern about any continuing risk, and begins to ensure that product that may be potentially contaminated is removed completely from the food supply," United Fresh Produce Association's Tom Stenzel said in a late-night statement to the press
Mr. Stenzel, whose group is weathering its first crisis since merging with the International Fresh-cut Produce Association, added, "We are encouraged by the thorough manner in which the federal and state regulatory investigations were conducted and by the company's ability to respond quickly." Produce Marketing Association President Bryan Silbermann said that his group "stands ready to help Natural Selection Foods and any other member company impacted by this ongoing crisis in any way possible." He added, "We cannot rest until we find and eliminate the sources of these illnesses."
As of Sept. 16, health authorities have confirmed 94 cases of illnesses in 20 states. At this time, the investigation is ongoing, and the following states have reported illnesses to date: California, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The affected products were also distributed to Canada and Mexico. Dr. Acheson said that the latest outbreak may prompt FDA to take a closer look at spinach operations as it continues assessing California lettuce farms, packers and processors.
"Based on current information, FDA advises that people not eat fresh spinach or fresh spinach containing-products that are consumed raw," according to FDA's Sept. 15 advisory. The agency said it would continue daily press briefings on the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak if necessary.
The epidemiological evidence collected by health officials from people who consumed spinach and became ill was strong enough to convince Natural Selection Foods to do a voluntary recall, according to FDA's David Acheson. The investigation is ongoing, said Dr. Acheson, and it is possible the recall will extend to other companies.
"While neither the FDA nor the [California Department of Food & Agriculture] have yet determined the source of the E. coli problem, we believe that recalling all spinach product packed in our facilities is the right thing to do," Charles Sweat, chief operating officer of Natural Selection Foods, said in a statement. "The FDA has said that they are looking at the entire industry, and we will continue to do our part in their investigation." The company said it would allow "unfettered access to our facilities and product for testing" and would "do whatever is necessary to help protect the health and safety of the public."
The massive recall includes all products that contain spinach in all brands packed with the "best if used by dates" of Aug. 17 through Oct. 1. The recall, which will touch the best known brands in the industry, includes both retail and foodservice products.
"The FDA investigation and the voluntary action taken by Natural Selection Foods LLC help narrow concern about any continuing risk, and begins to ensure that product that may be potentially contaminated is removed completely from the food supply," United Fresh Produce Association's Tom Stenzel said in a late-night statement to the press
Mr. Stenzel, whose group is weathering its first crisis since merging with the International Fresh-cut Produce Association, added, "We are encouraged by the thorough manner in which the federal and state regulatory investigations were conducted and by the company's ability to respond quickly." Produce Marketing Association President Bryan Silbermann said that his group "stands ready to help Natural Selection Foods and any other member company impacted by this ongoing crisis in any way possible." He added, "We cannot rest until we find and eliminate the sources of these illnesses."
As of Sept. 16, health authorities have confirmed 94 cases of illnesses in 20 states. At this time, the investigation is ongoing, and the following states have reported illnesses to date: California, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
The affected products were also distributed to Canada and Mexico. Dr. Acheson said that the latest outbreak may prompt FDA to take a closer look at spinach operations as it continues assessing California lettuce farms, packers and processors.
